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Tag Archives: United States
White House Responds to ‘Star Wars’ Death Star Petition
In what I believe was a lighthearted moment the White House officially responded to a “We the People” petition to “secure resources and funding, and begin construction of a Death Star by 2016.”
Though the White House has decided against going forward with the Death Star plan, and you can see the full version of why they oppose the idea HERE, the main points that came from the White House are:
- “The construction of the Death Star has been estimated to cost more than $850 quadrillion. We’re working hard to reduce the deficit, not expand it.”
- “The Administration does not support blowing up planets.”
- “Why would we spend countless taxpayer dollars on a Death Star with a fundamental flaw that can be exploited by a one-man starship?”
The statement was prepared by Paul Shawcross, the chief of the Science and Space Branch at the White House Office of Management and Budget. The Death Star petition has over 34,000 signatures; which is well over the minimum of 25,000 needed to garner a response from the White House. The “We the People” program is an online petition program that allows citizens to have a voice with their suggestions.
Related articles
- ABC Considering ‘Star Wars’ TV Series (chipandco.com)
- Star Wars Weekends 2013 Dates Announced (chipandco.com)
The Kinsey Collection Opens at Epcot in 2013
Starting in late winter 2013, the American story of determination, courage, hope, struggle and inspiration will be told through more than 40 pieces of art, artifacts, books, sculptures and documents on display at the Walt Disney World Resort. At Epcot, the American Adventure pavilion will be home to the Kinsey\’s personal treasures of African-American art and history, amassed from their travels to 90 countries and dating back to the 17th century.
The Kinsey Collection is the intersection where art and history meet, a virtual history book opened wide, giving voice to untold stories of accomplishment and contribution. After previews during African-American Heritage Month in February, the Kinsey Collection is scheduled to open in March 2013. The Kinsey Collection, at the American Heritage Gallery, will be included in Epcot admission.
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Largest Splitsville Luxury Lanes to Roll Strikes at Downtown Disney on Dec. 19
The latest trend in boutique bowling is rolling into Downtown Disney with the December 2012 opening of Splitsville Luxury Lanes. The upscale, retro-style bowling venue will be the largest in the bowling brand’s fleet and joins other fun, family-friendly entertainment options at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.
Splitsville at Downtown Disney is the bowling brand’s only two-level location with 30 lanes and more than 50,000 square feet of entertainment space – twice the size of any other Splitsville – featuring billiards, live entertainment, a balcony bar with sweeping views and upscale dining options that cater to the entire family. This is not your father’s bowling alley.
“Splitsville is a perfect fit for Downtown Disney,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney. “From a new twist on a beloved sport to an impressive menu you’ve never expect to find in a bowling facility, Splitsville offers a great experience that complements our other unique offerings at Downtown Disney. I’m sure it will quickly become a guest favorite.”
The Splitsville concept is anchored by bowling – the largest participation sport in America – but with a modern take that brings together entertainment and upscale food in a non-traditional bowling setting. For instance, the décor is a blend of hip and nostalgic elements with the bowling lanes separated into clusters that create unexpected sight lines for guests. There are also lane concierges available nightly to help maximize the bowling experience for guests.
“Splitsville is about socialization and creating memories. In a world of smart phones, texts and social media, people need an outlet to connect in person again,” said Mark Gibson, co-founder of Splitsville. “Bowling is an activity that appeals to almost everyone and the natural gaps of time between frames allows families, friends or work mates to engage in conversation, grab some sushi or encourage guests on the next lane.”
Share the Disney Magic with Others
Want a chance to “Share the Magic” this year, just like Disney does in many different ways? If you want a chance to help others and have some fun this holiday season, Disney has got the answer for you! “Share the Magic” is an initiative that Disney UK created and hosts to help give toys to children in Europe that are in need. If you visit the website http://disneystore.co.uk/sharethemagic/ you and your kids have a chance to write letters to Santa and decorate them, download some coloring fun, and more…The initiative is for every letter written to Santa, Disney will donate 1 plush toy to a child in need (up to 10,000). They have already hit their maximum and so 10,000 kids will have new plush toys.
I took the time to send Santa a letter myself (one can wish and hope!) and it was fun! I had the chance to highlight what I had done this past year to deserve a present and what did I want from Santa, along with my age and name. Once I was done decorating the letter with digital stickers I then sent it online and Santa Mickey came out and chatted in a video!
Court upholds $319M verdict against Disney over ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ profits
A federal appeals court has upheld a $319 million verdict over profits from the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and rejected the Walt Disney Company’s request to have a new trial for the case.Back in 2010 a jury decided that The Walt Disney Company hid the popular game show’s profits from its creators, London-based Celador International. The ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found no issues with the verdict or with a judge’s rulings in the case.
Disney did not comment on the decision. The ruling comes two years after a jury ruled in Celador’s favor after a trial that featured testimony from top Disney executives. Celador sued Disney in 2004, claiming Disney was using ‘creative’ accounting to hide profits from the show, which ran in the United States from August 1999 to May 2002 and was a huge hit for ABC. The jury ruled that Celador was owed $269.2 million, and a judge later added $50 million in interest to the judgment.
Related articles
- $319M verdict upheld in Disney case (abc15.com)
- Court upholds $319M verdict in ‘Millionaire’ case (news.yahoo.com)
